Plumbing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A plumbing apparatus intended for unclogging a drain pipe. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid member and a compressible member, one of the substantially rigid member and the compressible member including a valve. The compressible member may seal a drain and the drain pipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through the valve.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a plumbing apparatus and morespecifically, to an apparatus intended for use in unclogging a drainpipe. The apparatus enables the user to regulate the pressure in thedrain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris.

Background of the Invention

Since the advent of indoor plumbing, drain pipes have experiencedclogging. From kitchen and bathroom sinks to tubs and showers, debrisproceeding down the drain builds-up or otherwise becomes trapped incertain locations of the drain pipe. The limited diameter of many ofthese pipes and the complex array of bends and turns associated with thepipes in an indoor plumbing system contribute to the clogging. Onceclogged, the sink or other device associated with the clogged drain pipebecomes substantially unusable, thereby requiring user intervention todislodge or otherwise remove the debris.

Several methods, compounds, and devices have been developed to unclog adrain pipe. For instance, one primitive method involves disassemblingthe drain pipe to physically remove the debris. This disassemblyrequires an extensive amount of time and often results in the standingwater above the clog leaking out onto the floor or surrounding area.Moreover, many clogs reside in remote locations in the drain pipe thatare nearly inaccessible without sever destruction to the plumbingsystem.

In an attempt to overcome the need for disassembly, chemical compoundshave been developed to chemically erode the debris. Unfortunately, thesecompounds are often highly toxic. This results in a health hazard tohumans, as well as a danger to the environment. Furthermore, theintroduction of chemicals into the water system results in increasedcosts for processing waste water. Additionally, the caustic chemicals inthese compounds may damage the pipes in a plumbing system. Thesecompounds also may not sufficiently erode large amounts of debris,thereby requiring additional devices or methods to unclog the drain.

To overcome the disadvantages of chemical compounds, several mechanicaldevices have been developed. For example, plungers are well knowndevices for use in attempting to unclog a drain pipe. These devicesgenerally include some form of cup or bellows for supplying bursts ofair to the drain pipe. Unfortunately, these devices may only supply asmall volume of air to the drain pipe for a very short amount of time.Moreover, these devices fail to adequately seal the drain associatedwith the clogged drain pipe. This results in air escaping around the cupor bellows during the plunging operation. Therefore, the user mustrepeat the plunging operation many times and may be unable to build upenough pressure in the drain pipe to displace the clogging debris.

Other devices incorporate an air pump to direct a burst of air at anelevated pressure into the drain pipe. These devices includes a rubbercup that fits over the drain having the clogged drain pipe. Similar tothe plunger, this rubber cup fails to properly seal the drain, thereinallowing air to escape around the cup and failing to deliver asufficient volume of air to displace the clog. Moreover, these devicesutilize a chamber to build up pressure and a valve actuated by a triggerto release the air. Similar to the plunger, this results in a shortburst of air into the line insufficient to displace the clogging debrisin the drain pipe. Due to the failure of these devices to properly sealthe drain and their ability to only provide a short burst of air, thesedevices do not enable the user to regulate the pressure in the drainpipe. Accordingly, these devices cannot supply a continuous pressure fora desired amount of time.

Besides devices using bursts of air as the fluid to attempt uncloggingthe drain pipe, other devices use water to try displacing the debris.These devices sometimes include a bulb that fills with water, therebyexpanding to seal the drain pipe. Once sealed the water proceeds downthe drain pipe to unclog the debris. Unfortunately, these devices do notseal at the drain of the sink. Therefore, the user must disassemble aportion of the drain pipe to insert the device. This disassembly is timeconsuming and often results in standing water in the sink draining intothe area surrounding the sink.

Another mechanical device utilizes a flexible tube or shaft (sometimesreferred to as a “snake”) to attempt displacement of the cloggingdebris. This requires the user to direct the snake down the drain pipeto the clogged area and push or otherwise displace the debris.Unfortunately, these devices are limited by their length, therein makingit difficult or impossible to reach debris at remote locations in thedrain pipe. Moreover, structure often found in a drain, such as a screenor other insert, prevents easy entry of the snake into the drain pipe.Therefore, the user may have to disassemble a portion of the drain ordrain pipe to enable insertion of the snake. Additionally, the snake ismessy to use. Debris located in the drain pipe covers the snake as itproceeds through the drain pipe. Upon removal of the snake, this debrismust be cleaned or it may transfer to undesired locations.

Accordingly, the plumbing arts have need for an apparatus that may sealthe drain and drain pipe without any disassembly of the sink or drainpipe. The apparatus would enable a user to introduce a fluid into thedrain pipe and regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desiredamount of time to displace the clogging debris.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as describedherein, a new and improved plumbing apparatus intended for unclogging adrain pipe is described. The plumbing apparatus includes a substantiallyrigid member and a compressible member, one of the substantially rigidmember and the compressible member including a valve. The compressiblemember may seal a drain and the drain pipe and a fluid may be introducedinto the drain pipe through the valve to displace the debris cloggingthe drain line.

Broadly stated, the present invention presents a plumbing apparatus thatenables a user to seal a drain and a drain pipe and then regulate thepressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace theclogging debris. A user simply places the plumbing apparatus into thedrain and manipulates an adjustable member, such as a wing nut and bolt,to draw a first and second plates toward one another. This movement ofthe plates results in compression of a compressible member. As anexterior surface of a wall engages a sidewall of the drain, the plumbingapparatus seals the drain and drain pipe. At this point, the user mayregulate the pressure in the drain pipe, therein promoting release ofthe debris causing the clog. To accomplish this, the user may connectthe auxiliary fluid source to a valve adapted to receive a fluid. Next,the user may initiate the fluid delivery to the drain pipe. Since theplumbing apparatus seals the drain and drain pipe while enabling theuser to deliver fluid to the drain pipe, the user may build up orotherwise regulate pressure in the drain pipe and ultimately displacethe debris clogging the drain pipe. A skilled artisan will appreciatethat this enables the user to deliver a substantially continuous fluidsupply for an extended amount of time. Upon displacing the debriscausing the clog, the user may disconnect the fluid supply andmanipulate the adjustable member to allow movement of the first andsecond plates away from one another. This movement of the plates enablesthe compressible member to return to its relaxed position and allows forremoval of the plumbing apparatus from the drain.

In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus includes first and secondsubstantially rigid members, such as plates, having recessed regionsthat project into an opening of the compressible member. The plumbingapparatus may also include an adjustable member that retains the firstand second substantially rigid plates on the compressible member. Theadjustable member may comprise a bolt and a corresponding wing nutpositioned substantially in the center of the first and second plates.Movement of the wing nut in a clockwise direction draws the first andsecond plates towards one another, therein compressing the compressiblemember. When the device becomes positioned in the drain, the compressionresults in a wall of the compressible member engaging a surface of thedrain, therein sealing the drain and drain pipe. Introduction of afluid, such as air or water, into the valve and drain pipe enables theuser to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount oftime to displace the clogging debris.

In the following description there is shown and described one possibleembodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one ofthe modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will berealized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, andits several details are capable of modification in various, obviousaspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot as restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 a is an exploded perspective view of a sink having a drain pipeto be unclogged utilizing one embodiment of the plumbing apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the sink of FIG. 1 a with the plumbingapparatus installed in the drain;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing apparatus ofFIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 a is a detailed cutaway view along the line X-X of FIG. 1 bshowing a compressible member of the plumbing apparatus in a relaxedconfiguration; and

FIG. 3 b is a detailed cutaway view along the line X-X of FIG. 1 bshowing the compressible member of the plumbing apparatus of FIG. 1 b ina sealed position.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference is now made to the exploded view of FIG. 1 showing a sink 10with a drain 12 having a drain pipe 14 to be unclogged utilizing oneembodiment of the plumbing apparatus 16 of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the apparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and the drain pipe 14,therein enabling regulation of pressure in the drain pipe for a desiredamount of time to displace the clogging debris.

In summary, the plumbing apparatus 16 enables a user to seal the drain12 and the drain pipe 14 and then regulate the pressure in the drainpipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris. Auser simply places the plumbing apparatus 16 into the drain 12 andmanipulates an adjustable member 32, such as a wing nut 36 and bolt 34,to draw first and second plates 18, 20 towards one another. Thismovement of the plates results in compression of a compressible member22. As an exterior surface 30 a of a wall 30 engages a sidewall 42 ofthe drain 12, the plumbing apparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and drainpipe 14. At this point, the user may regulate the pressure in the drainpipe 14, therein promoting release of the debris causing the clog. Toaccomplish this, the user may connect the auxiliary fluid source (notshown) to a valve 44 adapted to receive a fluid. Next, the user mayinitiate the fluid delivery to the drain pipe 14. Since the plumbingapparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and drain pipe 14 while enabling theuser to deliver fluid to the drain pipe 14, the user may build up orotherwise regulate pressure in the drain pipe and ultimately displacethe debris clogging the drain pipe 14. A skilled artisan will appreciatethat this enables the user to deliver a substantially continuous fluidsupply for an extended amount of time. Upon displacing the debriscausing the clog, the user may disconnect the fluid supply andmanipulate the adjustable member 32 to allow movement of the first andsecond plates 18, 20 away from one another. This movement of the platesenables the compressible member 22 to return to its relaxed position andallows for removal of the plumbing apparatus 16 from the drain 12.

The embodiment of the plumbing apparatus 16 shown in FIG. 2 includesfirst and second rigid members, such as the first plate 18 and thesecond plate 20, and the compressible member 22. The first plate 18rests on a top surface 22 a of the compressible member 22, while thesecond plate 20 resides at an opposite end of the compressible member22, adjacent a bottom surface 22 b. Manipulation of the relativepositions of the first and second plates 18, 20 results in compressionor relaxation of the compressible member 22, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the compressible member 22 may comprise a ringhaving the wall 30 defining an opening 28. The compressible member 22 ispreferably formed from an elastomer material, such as rubber, but may beany compressible material. To assist with compression of thecompressible member 22, the first plate 18 may have an overall shapesimilar to the shape of the top surface 22 a of the compressible member.In the configuration shown, this results in the top plate having asubstantially circular appearance. Similarly the second plate 20 alsohas a substantially circular appearance mimicking the shape of thebottom surface 22 b of the compressible member 22. The circularity ofthe first and second plates 18, 20 enables insertion of the plumbingapparatus 16 into the drain 12 and also assists in sealing the drain 12,as discussed below. Although shown as being substantially circular, thefirst and second plates 18, 20 and the compressible member 22 maycomprise any shape or size, but would preferably be a shape adapted tofit within a drain. Additionally, the first and second plates 18, 20 maybe formed from any material, but would preferably be a corrosionresistant metal, such as stainless steel.

In one embodiment, the first and second plates 18, 20 may have recessedregions 18 a, 20 a, respectively (FIGS. 2, 3 a, and 3 b). The recessedregions 18 a, 20 a define lips 24, 26 that contact the top and bottomsurfaces 22 a, 22 b, while the recessed regions 18 a, 20 a project intothe opening 28 of the compressible member 22. This configuration ofrecessed regions 18 a, 20 a and lips 24, 26 assist in focusingcompressive force on the compressive member 22, thereby resulting inoutward projection of the wall 30 of the compressible member 22, asdiscussed below.

The plumbing apparatus 16 also includes the adjustable member 32 (FIGS.3 a and 3 b) that retains the first and second plates 18, 20 on thecompressible member 22. In one embodiment, the adjustable member 32 maycomprise multiple pieces, such as a threaded shaft or the bolt 34 andcorresponding wing nut 36, as shown in FIG. 2. The bolt 34 becomesinserted through an aperture 37 a in the second plate 20, the opening 28of the compressible member 22, and an aperture 38 a of the first plate18. The bolt 34 may include a collar 34 a adapted to engage the aperture37 a and prevent rotation of the bolt 34. Once fully inserted, the wingnut 36 attaches to the bolt 34 to secure it to the plumbing apparatus16. One or more washers 35 may become positioned between the bolt 34 orwing nut 36 and the first and second plates 18, 20. A skilled artisanwill appreciate that positioning the adjustable member 32 substantiallyin the center of the first and second plates 18, 20 results in evenradial expansion, in the radial direction R₁ (FIG. 1 b), duringcompression the compressible member 22.

FIGS. 1 shows the complete plumbing apparatus 16 with the compressiblemember 22 in its uncompressed or relaxed condition prior to insertion ofthe plumbing apparatus 16 in the drain 12. With the compressible member22 in the relaxed condition, the plumbing apparatus 16 may easily becomeplaced in the drain 12. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 3 a, the relaxedcompressible member 22 preferably has a smaller outer diameter D₁ thanthe diameter D₂ of the drain 12. The second plate 20 also has a diametersmaller than the diameter D₂ of the drain 12 to facilitate insertion ofthe plumbing apparatus into the drain 12. Also, as shown, the firstplate 18 preferably has an outer diameter D₃ larger than the diameter D₂of the drain 12. In this configuration, a portion of the lip 24 residesoutside of the drain 12 and engages an inner surface 10 a of the sink.

To seal the drain 12 and drain pipe 14 after installation of theplumbing apparatus 16, a user turns the wing nut 36 in a clockwisedirection Z₁ (FIG. 1 b) to draw the first and second plates 18, 20toward one another. This movement of the plates 18, 20 causescompression of the compressible member 22. Accordingly, the greater thewing nut 36 becomes tightened, the more the compressible member 22becomes compressed, therein resulting in radial expansion of the wall30. In other words, the movement of the first and second plates 18, 20towards one another forces the wall 30 of the compressible member tooutwardly buckle or bulge. As the wall 30 projects in the radialdirection, the exterior surface 30 a of the wall 30 engages the sidewall42 of the drain. This engagement of the wall 30 of the compressiblemember 22 with the sidewall 42 seals the drain 12 and drain pipe 14.

To unseal the drain 12 and drain pipe 14, the user simply turns the wingnut 36 in the counterclockwise direction Z₂ (FIG. 1 b). The elastomermaterial forming the compressible member 22, desires to return to itsrelaxed and uncompressed state. Accordingly, as the wing nut 36 becomesloosened, the compressible member 22 pushes the first and second plates18, 20 away from each other until the compressible member 22 returns toits fully relaxed condition.

As mentioned above, another feature of the present plumbing apparatus 16is that it enables regulation of the pressure in the drain pipe thereinpromoting release of the debris causing the clog. To facilitate this,the apparatus 16 includes the valve 44 adapted to receive a fluid, suchas air or water, from an auxiliary source (not shown). In oneembodiment, the valve 44 comprises a standard self-sealing air valvesimilar to those found on car tires. The valve 44 includes a stem 46having a base 48 with an aperture 48 a positioned at one end and plunger50 at the other end. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 a, and 3 b, the valve 44 mayreside on the second plate 20 with the base 48 attached at the aperture37 b, therein placing the aperture 48 a in fluid communication with thedrain pipe 14. In this configuration, the stem 46 projects through theopening 28 of the compressible member 22 and an aperture 38 b of thefirst plate 18. This enables a user to place the auxiliary fluid supplysource in fluid communication with the valve 44. For instance, a usermay connect a manual air pump or an air compressor to the valve 44. Theair pump or compressor includes a connector that depresses the plunger50 of the valve 44 such that air may proceed through the stem 46 and outthe aperture 48 a. Additionally, the plunger 50 and valve 44 enable auser to bleed or release pressure in the drain pipe. For instance, thevalve 44 with plunger 50 allow the user to build up pressure in thedrain pipe 14 and then release some of the pressure, such as whencycling pressure in the drain pipe 14 or removing the plumbing apparatus16 after displacing clogging debris.

The present invention presents a plumbing apparatus 16 that enablesplacement of the apparatus 16 in the drain 12, without disassembly ofthe drain 12 or drain pipe 14, for sealing the drain 12 and the drainpipe 14. This enables the user to introduce a fluid into the drain pipeand regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount oftime. Thus, the apparatus 16 allows a user to displace clogging debrisat any location in the drain pipe 14.

The foregoing discussion was chosen to provide the best illustration ofthe principles of the invention and its practical application to therebyenable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications suited to theparticular use contemplated. For example, the plumbing apparatus 16 mayinclude any number of rigid members, plates 18, 20, or compressiblemembers 22. Additionally, the plumbing apparatus 16 may have any size orshape to accommodate various configurations of drains 12. Instead ofbecoming placed in the drain 12 for sealing the drain 12 and the drainpipe 14, the plumbing apparatus 16 may become placed directly in thedrain pipe 14. Additionally, multiple plumbing apparatuses 16 may beused simultaneously in a plumbing system or otherwise in conjunctionwith one another. Furthermore, the plumbing apparatus 16 may becomeconfigured without a valve 44, therein only serving to seal the drain 12or the drain pipe 14. All modifications and variations are within thescope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted inaccordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally andequitably entitled.

1. An apparatus intended for use in unclogging a drain pipe, comprising:a first substantially rigid member; a compressible member; and a valvepositioned on one of the first substantially rigid member and thecompressible member, wherein the compressible member may seal the drainpipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through thevalve.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondsubstantially rigid member, such that the compressible member residesbetween the first and second substantially rigid members.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first substantially rigid member has alarger diameter than the second substantially rigid member, such that aportion of first substantially rigid member engages a surface of thesink when the apparatus seals a drain of a sink associated with thedrain pipe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising anadjustable member that retains the first and second substantially rigidmembers on the compressible member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe adjustable member comprises a bolt and corresponding wing nut,movement of the wing nut causes movement of the first and secondsubstantially rigid members and compression or relaxation of thecompressible member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the valveincludes an aperture for introducing the fluid into the drain pipe andthe valve resides on the second substantially rigid member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is an air valve adapted forreceiving air.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is a watervalve adapted for receiving water.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe compressible member is an elastomer ring having a wall defining anopening.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjustablemember that retains the first substantially rigid member on thecompressible member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidadjustable member comprises a bolt and wing nut positioned substantiallyin the center of the first substantially rigid member.
 12. An apparatusintended for use in unclogging a drain pipe, comprising: first andsecond substantially rigid plates; a valve positioned on one of thefirst and second substantially rigid plates and adapted to receive afluid from an auxiliary fluid source for introducing the fluid into thedrain pipe; and a compressible member positioned between the first andsecond substantially rigid plates, wherein the movement of the first andsecond substantially rigid plates causes compression or relaxation ofthe compressible member and the compressible member may seal a drain ofa sink associated with the drain pipe.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the first and second substantially rigid plates have recessedregions that project into an opening of the compressible member.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable member thatretains the first and second substantially rigid plates on thecompressible member.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theadjustable member comprises a bolt and corresponding wing nut positionedsubstantially in the center of the first and second substantially rigidplates to enable even radial expansion of the compressible member duringcompression.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the valve is an airvalve that resides on the second plate and projects through an openingof the compressible member and an aperture of the first plate.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the first substantiallyrigid plate is larger than the diameter of the second substantiallyrigid plate.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first plateincludes a lip that engages a surface of the sink when the apparatusseals the drain.
 19. A method of unclogging a drain pipe, comprising:inserting a plumbing apparatus into a drain associated with the drainpipe; sealing the drain with the plumbing apparatus; and introducing afluid into the drain pipe to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe fora desired amount of time to displace clogging debris.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the sealing step comprises placing an apparatus havinga compressible member in the drain and manipulating an adjustable memberof the apparatus to compress the compressible member and seal the drainpipe.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the introducing a fluid stepcomprises attaching an auxiliary fluid source to a valve of theapparatus and initiating the fluid delivery from the fluid source to thedrain pipe.